Introduction :

     Speaking English is not only about using proper grammar. To use English correctly, you need to understand the culture in which it is spoken. Here are a number of important tips (告诫)  to remember when speaking English in the USA.

General Points to Remember

   Most Americans only speak English:

While it is true that more and more Americans

speak Spanish, most Americans only speak

English.

  Americans have difficulty understanding

foreign accents (口音): Many Americans are

not used to foreign accents.

Conversation Tips

      Speak about location.

  Talk about work: Americans commonly ask "what do you do?" It's not thought impolite (as in some countries)  and is a popular topic to discuss between strangers.

     Talk about sports.

Addressing (称呼) People

   Use last names with people you do not know. Always use "Ms" when addressing women. Many Americans prefer first names.

   Americans prefer informal: In general,

Americans prefer informal greetings and using

first names or nicknames when speaking with workmates and friends.

Public Behavior

     Always shake hands.

     Look your partner in the eyes.

     Don't hold hands: Same sex friends do not usually hold hands or put their arms around each other in public in the USA.

      Smoking is out! Smoking, even in public places, is strongly disagreed by most modern Americans.

     55.  What is necessary to know when we speak English besides using grammar?

         A. Introduction.       B. The culture.       C. Grammar.        D. Topics.

     56.  If you are introduced to a woman called Pearl S. Buck,  how should you address her usually?

         A. Mrs. Pearl.        B. Miss Pearls.     C. Ms Buck.        D. Madam Buck.

     57.  We can learn from the text that________

         A. Americans shake hands when greeting same sex friends

         B. when you speak to others, it's polite to look into their eyes

         C. different sex friends should hold hands when first meeting

         D. smoking is allowed in the modem United States

     58.  What would be the best title for the text?

         A. American English Tips                   B. Language Differences

         C. The Different Language Culture            D. American Customs

阅读理解

　　It is sometimes said that the English are polite people. This can make life difficult for foreigners. Suppose a foreign boy asks an English girl to go out with him and she says, “I finish my work, I'll meet you in the cafe at 7 o'clock.” Is she saying “yes” or “no” to his invitation?

　　In grammatical terms, she is using the conditional structure(表示条件的句子). By using the conditional, speakers of English can avoid giving a “yes” or “no” answer to a question. It enables people to be diplomatic(婉转的). If the girl doesn't want to go out with the boy, she won't turn up at the cafe. She will let him understand she is still working, if she wants to go out with him, but doesn't want to appear too easy to catch, she has achieved that with her reply. But in this case, as she uses the first conditional which shows probability, she is quite likely to turn up at the cafe. Being polite can make life very difficult!

　　The conditional is often used by people in the news－politicians, for example－who wish to avoid speaking out their ideas. This is very important if they are on their way to discuss an agreement. No one wants to give away his or her points before he or she starts. A government spokesman might say to a group of workers, “If we could pay you more, we would.” The use of the conditional here makes room for argument although the speaker is using the second conditional form, which shows improbability. So it is unlikely the workers will get their rise.

　　“If” is a small word, which appears often in the English language. It can show politeness, reported speech and conditionals such as the First－probability－if I can come to your party, I will; the Second－improbability－if I saw you tomorrow, I'd give you the book; and the Third－impossibility (meaning it is too late to change something that has happened)－if you have told me, I would have helped you.

1．The using of the conditional can make a speech ________.

[　　]

2．Which of the following is true according to the passage?

[　　]

A．Language used in the news should make room to argue.

B．Usually English girls are not easy to catch.

C．English people never speak out their ideas in public.

D．The word “if” can show different meanings.

3．In the passage, “If we could pay you more, we would.” probably means “________.”

[　　]

A．the workers will make more money

B．the spokesman doesn't give any promise

C．the spokesman keeps his word

D．the workers' problems aren't difficult

4．This passage is mainly talking about ________.

[　　]

A．the conditional in communication

B．how to invite a girl in Britain

C．British people and their life

D．some language points in daily English